New New Yorkers

If you're a company seeking to open your first office in New York City, Take the HELM will help you establish roots in Lower Manhattan and extend the neighborhood's appeal to the world's best and brightest, including HELM 1.0 winners and finalistGrapeshot.

Startups

If you're a startup less than three years old, Take the HELM will help you establish an office and connect with the neighborhood's burgeoning startup community, including HELM 1.0 winners and finalistSTELLAService.

At least one prize will be reserved for a Take the HELM Startup, and companies opening their first office in New York City will be given preference for at least one other prize. For HELM 2.0, runners-up will also receive grants of $50,000 to move to Lower Manhattan. All other finalist will receive $10,000.

Evaluation Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on their ability to be catalysts for the Lower Manhattan innovation economy. Specifically, evaluators will review the following for each applicant:

Capacity to bring the best and brightest to Lower Manhattan (through the number and quality of current employees, and prospects of employment growth), and to be an employment "amplifier" (by helping to attract other companies to the neighborhood or bringing coworking employees, students, clients, freelancers, or other part-time office workers);

TIMELINE

April 30 – July 15: Stage I

July 29 – September 10: Stage 2

High-Scoring Stage I applicants will be invited to participate in Stage II by submitting more detail about their company and plans for growth in Lower Manhattan.

Late-September: Finalist Announced

Up to 20 companies will be selected to compete as finalists. All finalists will receive $10,000 cash grant upon completion of the Judging and Awards program in Lower Manhattan. Finalist will create a 90 second promotional video, and interview with the full Selection Committee.

Mid November: Judging & Awards Program

1-3 Representatives of all finalists companies will attend a program in Lower Manhattan, including Selection Committee interviews, a media program, and a prominent Awards Ceremony.